Scope and Contents of the Materials

Papers of Timothy J. Nugent, Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Education Services (1948-85), includes biographical records, correspondence, consulting materials, reports, newsletters, journals, publications, brochures, newspaper clippings, presentations, lectures, conference proceedings, meeting minutes, reference material, photographs, slides, videotape, film, scrapbooks, drawings by Wesley Queypo, and artifacts concerning the personal and professional life of Timothy J. Nugent, including his early life and education; research concerning architectural barriers, accessibility standards, transportation, and recreation; involvement in the administration and activities of the Division of Rehabilitation Education Services, Delta Sigma Omicron, National Wheelchair Basketball Association (1949-2002), National Wheelchair Athletic Association (1959-93), American National Standards Institute (1959-92), National Center for a Barrier Free Environment (1975-89), National Paraplegia Foundation (later the National Spinal Cord Injury Association) (1965-2005), Paralyzed Veterans of America (1972-2007), Paralympic planning committees, steering committees, advisory boards, foundations, and alumni associations; activities as a lecturer, consultant, and publisher; participation in the coaching and organization of sporting events such as the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournaments, National Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and Paralympics.

Biographical Note

Timothy J. Nugent, born January 10, 1923, founded the first comprehensive program of higher education for individuals with disabilities in 1948. He served as Professor of Rehabilitation Education and Director of the Rehabilitation Education Center and the Division of Rehabilitation Education Services at the University of Illinois. He retired in 1985. He founded the National Wheelchair Basketball Association in 1949 and served as Commissioner for the first 25 years. He also founded Delta Sigma Omicron, a national rehabilitation service fraternity. He was President of the National Paraplegia Foundation (now National Spinal Cord Injury Association) for four terms. He has been an international lecturer and consultant, as well as an advocate, publisher, and researcher on behalf of people with disabilities. He was a leader in the development of architectural accessibility standards, public transportation, adaptive equipment, and recreation activities for people with disabilities. He has been and continues to be active in many professional organizations, including the American National Standards Institute, the Illinois State Legislative Commission on the Hospitalization of Spinal Cord Injured, the Committee on Technical Aids, Housing and Transportation of Rehabilitation International, and the Institute for the Advancement of Prosthetics. He holds degrees from Tarleton State University, Texas; University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse, Wisconsin; and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Wisconsin. He also has honorary degrees from Springfield College in Massachusetts and Mount Mary College in Wisconsin.